Downrigging

[fowldreams]

Does anyone down rig on mille lacs? Or is lead core the only way to approach the crank bait bite? Thanks

[DREZLER]

I have done it and gotten a few.. the reason I did it was because I had a few people tell me they were doing it with success.

I haven't looked at the actual numbers but I do think the water has been getting a bit clearer every year the last few.. making it a bit less stealthy.

It would be worth a try. I would try 100' leads off the balls

[Gordie]

I did it back in the mid 90's with some success.

I had never down rigged before so it took me a bit of reading and playing with them to figure it out but once I got it you could catch fish out on the flats pretty easy.

I don't have that boat anymore but I still own the riggers and mounts for another day.

[ReelTimes]

Yes, I use down riggers alot on ML once i start working the flats. Usually I get some strange looks though. I usually start with lindy rigs but when I switch to spinners, I usually break out the down diggers. Also use them with rapala. this time of year, I use both the diggers and lead core a lot but I prefer the diggers over the core.

[Moose-Hunter]

I did this just yesterday. But let me tell ya... There are way more effective methods that use a lot less gear. However, it is fun to see that rod tip spring up indicating a strike.

[ReelTimes]

I think it's pretty simple really. I actually prefer it for spinners vs using 3-ways or snap weights, or lead core. I run just the spinner (no weight), so you get a better fight and action from the fish (IMO). I can set up just as quick as any other method and you have precision depth control. Many times we will very depths based on the graph and catch both suspended and bottom fish. I have used them on ML for the past 5-6 years and it has been very effective. When running rapala, we will sometimes use both DR and core. It is used a lot on LOW but underutilized (IMO) on ML.

[fowldreams]

We use them all the time on LOTW, thats why I was wondering why I have never seen anybody use them on ML. I too have never tried on ML. ReelTimes, how much line do you have out behind your clips when using spinners?

[ReelTimes]

Usually 70-80 feet. You do need to try and keep 5-8 feet separation when running multiple lines, and take wide turns or you will tangle with that length of lead. We usually run two DR with one on bottom and the other 5-6 feet up. Again, prefer to use Lindys but if the bite is slow,we switch to the DR and it has been very effective time and time again using spinners and rapalas.